The State - News from Feb. 28, 1986

A Bakersfield man was arrested on nine counts of arson after a series of small fires at Las Vegas Strip resorts. Police said Thomas Littleowl, 30, of Bakersfield, was arrested at the Sands hotel, where he was spotted after two arson fires at the casino resort. Police said Littleowl was arrested because he matched the description of a man seen by guards after two earlier arson fires at the Holiday Inn Center Strip. Firefighters responded to four fires and two false alarms within three hours. Authorities said they had evidence to link Littleowl to the fires at the Holiday Inn and the Sands, as well as five arson fires at the Dunes Hotel and Casino. The fires at the Dunes caused $55,000 damage and forced the evacuation of 1,600 guests for about three hours.